ALBERTO “BETO” BLANCO, JR.

HIDALGO – Beto Blanco passed away peacefully at home in Hidalgo, Texas on February 7, 2018. Beto was born August 6, 1925 to Alberto Blanco and Santos Soto Blanco and lived most of his life serving his community and country. Beto was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Francisca and brothers, Carlos, Ruben, Alvar and Raul. Beto was also preceded in death by his beloved aunt, Rosario Galvez Franz (Adrian Franz Sr.), step brothers Adrian, Alberto, Francisco (Pancho), step sisters, Consuelo, Olivia and Celia and his grandson, Eric.
He is survived by his children, Estela Blanco Burt, Alberto Blanco III (Emigdia), Hector Blanco, Diana Blanco, Edgar Blanco (Griselda), Yvonne Blanco, Yvette Blanco Zepeda (Anthony), Marcelina Sanchez (Fidel), and Laura Lozano. He is also survived by two sisters, Felicitas Blanco and Minerva Blanco Hernandez and two brothers, Eluterio Blanco (Sylvia) and Arnoldo Blanco (Irma). He will be greatly missed by his 23 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Beto was a World War II Veteran who proudly served in the Navy aboard a transport ship in the Pacific. He was instrumental in the incorporation of the City of Hidalgo in 1964, served 11 years (1969 – 1980) as the HISD School Board of Trustees Chair and served as a Volunteer Fireman Chief for the City of Hidalgo during the early years. He was involved in the planning projects that improved city and school services - Fire Department and the Hidalgo High School. Beto was employed by the City of Hidalgo until his retirement in the early 80’s.
Visitation was held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary Thursday, Feb. 8, at Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg. Funeral service took place at 10 a.m., Feb. 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hidalgo. Interment followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
Funeral services were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of Edinburg.